We have seen this blue tongue lizard often this week. I’m sure he’s made our garden his home.
The vegetable garden may look healthy but this hot summer is messing with producing our usually good harvests. Keeping water up is easy enough when the trugs are filled by heavy downpours of rain and hail but the ground is so dry within a few hours from the scorching heat that it is a never ending chore.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden & 🦋 Down on the Farm
Happy New Year to all Riverside Peace followers. I have posted a few summer garden photos Norm and I have taken between Christmas and New Year while I give an update of where I’m at now and my 2024 plans.
I’ve been a little out of my normal routine since my total right knee replacement on November 2023. A whole new routine, mostly rehabilitation, has taken over. One thing I have return to is the garden – with limitations which is why I trained Norm.
I have been writing a little too and I plan to post at least one new poem and/or devotional post every month. I won’t promise more than this because I’m also taking on the huge challenge of learning to sign in 2024. At a few new followers request, I’ll be re-posting some my most popular poetry and short devotions from my book ‘Glimpses of His Glory’. I’ll add a few others from time to time as well.
The lorikeet above is a regular to our garden and especially loves the apples Norm tosses onto the lawn in the evening. I find the garden provides rest and relaxation.
These final 3 gallery photos show the cheeky sunflower that’s growing in our vegetable garden. It has grown above the back fence and follows the summer sun across the sky. It can be seen by everyone who drives by. I have also returned to river and other local walks. I’ll post these photos too each week.
Have a very happy and safe New Year and a healthy and blessed 2024.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Day 18 Post Surgery: Stitches, or rather the one long stitch used for the 15cm wound, was removed late today. The surgeon is very happy with my recovery to date. No formal physiotherapy required but I do need to continue my current exercise routine which is mostly walking, step-work and pool exercise. One elbow crutch should still be used in some environments until January 24th after an X-ray and reviewed again by the surgeon. Until then, I’ll be taking precautions to not over do anything and just taking my time to fully recover. A more settled sleep pattern is a priority. No more sleeping flat on my back should help.
Everyone has been supportive and encouraging. Thank you.
I’m really hoping I can sit for longer at the computer too so I can write new poems and articles. It’s often uncomfortable as well as finding the time between my rehab routines.
Thanks for your patience. – Chrissy
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
Do you see the blue house at the top left corner of the image below? That’s our house. That’s our car leaving our little Avenue. Norm’s off to have a haircut. I’m on walk two of my three times a day walk of the Avenue before returning to the comfort of my soft bed to do my knee exercises. I walk about 150 metres. I was using using two elbow crutches until this morning. Now it’s just one.
Day 12 after surgery and day 8 at home. I’ve also started pool exercises this week which is so much easier and painless. The days a warm. I love summer. It’s the best season to be in the pool.
Not a good look but impressive.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes and love since my knee replacement surgery last Thursday, November 23rd.
The surgeon was so impressed with my progress that he sent me home after breakfast yesterday, Sunday November 26th. Pain and sleep management, although still not perfect, is easier now that I’m home.
I’m not up to writing much yet but I look forward to reading posts of those I follow.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
In shadows of love, I once found solace,
But now I stand in heartbreak’s embrace.
A tale of betrayal, my soul left shattered
As love’s sweet melody turns bitter and tattered.
***
Once, your affection was a flame so bright,
But now it flickers, consumed by the night.
In disbelief, I watch our love erode
As secrets unravel, truths are now bestowed.
***
Tears stain my cheeks, a river of pain
For love’s betrayal leaves an eternal stain.
How could you wander, my heart’s trusted guide?
Into the arms of another, casting me aside?
***
The whispers of deceit, they cut so deep,
As trust crumbles, a wound that won’t sleep.
In the wreckage of love, I search for reasons
But find only echoes of love’s faded seasons.
***
Yet, through this heartbreak, I’ll rise anew,
Reclaiming my spirit, bidding love adieu.
For I deserve a love that’s pure, untamed,
Not one tainted by deceit falsely claimed.
***
So, I’ll heal the wounds, stitch up the pain,
Learn to love myself, and rise again.
Though scars may linger, I’ll find my way,
And let heartbreak’s darkness turn to brighter days.
***
For in the depths of loss, I’ll find my might
And from this heartbreak, I’ll take flight.
No longer bound by love’s treacherous game,
I’ll soar beyond the ashes, reclaiming my flame.
***
Written by Sandra Siggee
In just three days I hope to have my knee replacement surgery so I won’t be online for at least four days. I’ll try to talk Norm through submitting a quick update post sometime over the weekend when I’m feeling up to it but I hope to be out of bed and looking for something to do besides physiotherapy.
I have rescheduled a few archived posts from Riverside Peace for the following week which I hope you will enjoy again until I’m up to writing again.
If all goes well with surgery and recovery, I hope to be home as soon as I can manage both post-surgery pain and Canadian/forearm crutches. My ongoing recovery and physiotherapy plan can be then done at home.
Because I’m severely allergic to the usual, and unusual pain medications, my anesthetist and surgeon have been working on alternative pain relief especially the first 24 hours after the surgery. Please pray for the wisdom of the medical team and for me to work through those early days so I can return home. Thanks in advance.
See you soon.
Because we were traveling late on Sunday, I was unable to prepare photos for this week’s I’m in the Garden post. It’s been beautiful weather and very relaxing in the Hunter Valley NSW wine country. We’re mostly just taking a breather from all the appointments we have had of late and a rest before my surgery in just over a week away. I have managed to find a couple of photographs I took of the front garden on Sunday morning using my Samsung phone. I hope you like them.
The agapanthus will be in full bloom while we’re not there. The miniature blue agapanthus are usually a little slower in blooming. Probably because they are situated further to the left behind the shrubs.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
A few months ago, I think in July, I tried something new. I never thought it would actually grow.
In early October I planted it like this into a garden plot.
This is what it looks like now. I cut a few outer stalks that were bent and added it to a stir-fry for lunch.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
It was brought to my attention a few days ago that we have several entries to our back garden. ‘Which entry do we use?’ they asked. I decided to photograph each entry. Maybe I will need to draw a map. 😉
Above and below is the east entry. The side of the house I call the boring side because leading to the grass-curved path is nothing but terracotta pots filled with struggling succulents along a very long gravel path.
Once you veer right you can follow the grass path to the back entry of the house and the outdoor kitchen and dining area. (below)
Or, you can veer left and take the southeast entry through the ‘farm’. Next photo.
Then there’s the entry through the carport into the outdoor kitchen and dining area. Oh. There’s also one directly from next door’s gravel path.
There’s the entry via the back steps. The entry I most often use.
But my favourite entry has to be through the arch to our ‘farm’.
Which entry will you take?
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
100 Christmas Cards made. 35 are now ready to post. I’ve put aside 11 cards for our neighbours. Yes, there are 12 houses on our Avenue and we all see each other often and attend our monthly birthday street BBQ when we can. There’s plenty for friends at church and the Koala Hospital too. This year I decided on poinsettias as the theme. Every card is different. I’ll write in the local cards when I return home from the hospital in early December. I won’t be going anywhere much until I recover from my surgery.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
It’s been a while since I featured my herbs in ‘Down on the Farm’ and what better time to show them off than this beautiful season of Spring. Mind you, it rained for nearly 48 hours straight before I was able to take a suitable photo over the weekend. The rain is gone and the sun is shining again.
On Saturday I was given some beautiful lemon grass. I don’t have a big enough area to plant it straight into the ground so another potted herb it is. I love how they are growing, how fresh they taste, and how Norm is now using them in his outdoor cooking. There are some larger ones planted among the vegetables too which we’ll use more until the little ones grow. I use some of the bigger plants for making fresh teas too.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
🦋 Riverside Walks is a new category on Riverside Peace.
I hope you will enjoy my posts as much as I enjoy the walks and views.
Archived in: 🦋 Riverside Walks & 🦋 Updates and Announcements
The last crop of broad beans and our first salad-size capsicum.
Our first Elderberry Flower harvest. Norm made me a cup of tea with a few flowers and it was delicious.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
We spent the morning cleaning away winter clutter and sticky dust.
We also pulled out the gurney and cleaned the tiled area.
With the weather warming up, we hope to cook and eat outside more often…
and entertain outdoors.
With the table being extendable, and 6 extra chairs, we can cater for up to 10.
Yes, I think we’re ready for Summer.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel and Retirement
My plan was to paint the white picket fence yesterday but it rained before dawn leaving the fence too damp to paint.
So..today I started straight after breakfast but with the temperature rising, I only managed two-thirds of the entire length. Tomorrow’s weather station says it will be clear skies again. I hope to have it completed well before the promised 25C. I’m so glad it’s not a very high fence. 🙂
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
With my knee keeping me indoors most evenings and a knee replacement surgery not until late November, I’ve started making 2023 Christmas cards. This year’s theme is poinsettias. It took me a few weeks to make the individual flowers in various sizes. Not every evening but at least three nights a week. I had my craft supplier assemble the tiniest poinsettias for me. These days my fingers can’t cope with the finer work. Every card is, and will be different in one way or another so everyone will receive a unique card made for them. Sixteen done and another forty or so left to create. I hope I don’t run out of ideas.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel & Retirement
I’ve been watching this iris since it sprouted back in mid-August. I thought she would clear the top of the Poinsianna the way she was growing.
As the sunflower begins to droop, this iris is reaching for the sky.
I expect to see her in full bloom for a few more days while a second iris (to the right) thinks about bursting out into full bloom.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Spring has drawn us back into the garden earlier and earlier every day. Vegetable seedlings have sprouted. There are two types of cucumber, beetroot, new season spinach & lettuce, chili, capsicum, and okra just to name a few.
It looks like Norm will see and taste his first oranges from the farm this year as well. Snap peas, spring onions, leeks, and broad beans just keep producing day after day.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Spring has Sprung with a burst of sunshine. Do you remember my post: https://riversidepeace.com/2023/08/28/late-august-wind-brought-out-a-nice-surprise/ ? This Sunflower is now greeting the Spring sunny mornings with a big smile.
Seedlings are up and the bulbs are finally opening. The irises are a little slow but they’ll be out any day now.
And – the white climbing rose bush has come alive and blooming.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
We had this candle holder sitting on our occasional table since we moved into our home in December 2019. I have decorated it at Christmas or placed an unlit candle in it but usually it just sits. After seeing terrariums and their ridiculous prices at nurseries, Bunning, etc., I decided to put my creativity side to good use. What do you think? Be honest.
Archived: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Late August winds have wreaked havoc in the garden over the past week. We found this very bold sunflower lying across the concrete seat in the garden. Tired loosely, for now, its height surprised us.
This is going to be a big flower. It grew from a dropped seed from somewhere.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Except for the apple and pear trees, buds and/or new growth is evident.
Strawberries and Blueberries. Can’t wait for the first harvest.
Seedlings sprouting.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
I knew before I left the recovery ward that the surgery wasn’t as easy as expected. But then, there were no guarantees before I went in. Today the surgeon showed me the film he took inside my knee. The meniscus was torn and brittle beyond recognition. Only a tiny section at the rear was left behind. The knee joint resembled a nanny goat’s beard in full growth. It looked like it needed a shave. The video was fast-forwarded for a few minutes showing the “shaving”. There is a LOT of arthritis. My knee is still yellow purple and green… inside too apparently. Too bruised and stressed for more surgery too soon.
I have another appointment in 4 weeks when he suspects he will then send me for another x-ray to see how things are recovering. As for a knee replacement in the near future. Who knows. I’m surprised It’s not already booked but after his explanation and watching my video, I’ll just have to wait.
In the meantime, I’ll be on pain medication and will be using a walking stick to prevent any further stress on the joint.
Early Spring flowers in the front and rear garden have added bright colours here and there. My herb seeds and seedlings are doing great. I’m excited about including medicinal herbs this year.
A couple of the fruit trees and shrubs look promising. Bottom photos: Tabpoles and frog ponds are ready for occupancy.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
From the Archives: Faith’s Adventure – All 8 Stories
Faith to the Rescue
Faith Loses a Friend
Faith Goes on a Holiday
Faith’s Christmas Surprise
Faith’s Close Encounter
Faith’s Discovery
Faith Becomes a Mother
Faith – That’s my Blue Eye
Partly true, partly fictional. 8 very short stories about Ken and his dog faith. Suitable for all ages. Please note: story “Faith Loses a Friend” may need parental guidance for younger children.
Archived in: 🦋 Teen Reading 
Short Fiction
I’m home after my laparoscopic knee surgery yesterday. Unfortunately, the damage and arthritis are worse than anticipated from MRI, X-ray, and surgeon’s initial consultation. The laparoscope was not in vain and the surgeon was able to see what the knee re-placement will entail. The removal of the torn meniscus and bone fragments and the bone scrapping of the jagged bone should relieve the pain I have been experiencing. I’ll have more information after my next appointment in 10 days to have stitches removed.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates & Announcements
I came across a USB with the drawings I had published among my poems and reflections in my book Glimpses of His Glory. I thought I would share them here in case I lose them again.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates & Announcements
A quiet afternoon in the garden until these visitors arrived.
It was still beautiful.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
We enjoyed our own fresh-from-the-garden greens over the weekend. There were various varieties of spinach and lettuce. Plus snap peas that we picked as needed.
A few late winter crop surprises doing nicely. – Maybe in a few weeks they’ll be ready.
It’s great to have some of our home-grown vegetables again. The past few months have left us buying mostly from the grocery stores which are not as fresh nor do they have any flavour.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
We spent a few quiet days up the coast late last week in Coffs Harbour.
Above and below are photos we took on our early morning walks.
And below: the photos were taken at the Japanese Garden in the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
North Coast Regional Botanic Garden – Coffs Harbour
Archived in: 🦋 Travel & Retirement
After a few dark and gloomy wintery weeks, we finally braved a morning in the garden and it was good to feel the warmth of the sun. We harvested a variety of lettuce and spinach which hasn’t happened for over a month. Snap peas are looking promising for next week’s menu.
Norm pampered the fruit trees: Apple, pear, avocado, orange, and mango as well as the bay and elderberry trees. We repotted the blueberries and potted two raspberry shrubs – which I forgot to take photos of.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!You registered on WordPress.com 10 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.
This is Nemo a few weeks ago. He had developed a tumor and needed to be regularly accessed.
Sadly, with his poor prognosis, he needed to be euthanased. A neighbour painted this rock to be placed on his grave.
He’ll be always remembered thanks to Maggie.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
A pleasant Kings Birthday long weekend found us mostly in the garden. Norm trimmed and prepared the fruit trees for the winter. They were quite late losing their leaves. We now have elderberry, bay, avocado, mango, apple, pear, and a dwarf orange tree – all growing well.
The winter vegetables are slow this year following a strange Autumn. Spinach and carrots are in steady supply with some all-year-round lettuce ready to harvest every weekend.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Norm is slowly using the creative side of his brain and coming up with some interesting ideas. This week it’s a frog hotel for the back corner garden.
A few pipes and pots from Bunnings, sand, and a few river rocks.
I dug up a small Mondo Grass and divided it into 3 pieces. As you can see below, he did quite a nice job. Next week’s project is a tadpole pond – seen partly installed to the right of our water feature.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
The Poinciana is almost bare and early bulbs are breaking the topsoil.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
An early morning hour in the front garden stimulates the imagination – and is a whole lot of fun.
A tidy up here and a touch of paint there.
If you don’t have water, create it. I tossed a few packets of lobelia seeds in for good measure.
We bought these two delightful blue mushroom solar lights today at Bunnings and added a little more creativity.
Not fully charged yet, but still looks pretty.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Four days away in Coffs Harbour was relaxing and fun. On the final day, we took a walk down to Charlesworth Bay for a beach-combing expedition. The sun was bright and the breeze warm. A truly beautiful autumn day.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel & Retirement
I’m loving our growing edible garden. The Elderflower tea was beautiful. Next year I’ll allow the best flowering sprigs to mature into berries.
Photo by Chrissy
Archived in:🦋 I’m in the Garden
Yesterday, May 9th here in Australia, we had a “surprise” visit from our eldest daughter Cyline, eldest grandson Evan and one of Norm’s nieces and her husband Andrew. They all live over 2 hours away so it was an unexpected visit by Norm who turned 70. I knew about it but not the details. It was difficult to keep Norm at home and away from his BBQ kitchen without explaining why. He had even suggest we went to Bunnings. When I declined he said he could go alone. Bunnings would have been a dead giveaway because they had all met up in the Bunnings car-park just 2 minutes away before all driving in together. Oh yes, and they brought all the food and the caramel birthday cake – Norm’s favourite kind of cake.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel & Retirement
Last week I promised to explain why the outdoor kitchen divider was in front of the clothes line. The past 10 days have been rather busy and messy around here. These photos will show the work we have had done on our long undercover driveway and the footpath on the other side of the house.
First was the repair and grind.
Then a sand. The foot path on the other side was also repaired grind and sanded too.
The prep and first coat of cement rendering took quite a while to dry and giving a few days to blend.
The second cement render took another day and a half before Jake the tradesman could walk on it to roll the first sealing coat. We decided on the roll-on instead of spray because of the close proximity of neighbours and also it would be 3 years before a reseal instead of 1 year with the spray.
The final coat of the sealer went on 3 days ago. 1 more day before the sealant will have had time to cure. Once it’s cured we can start washing the dust off the walls and side gardens. It will be another 3 weeks before we can start placing things like the divider and herb pots back in place. Then it will be ready to bring the car back in. Climbing over the gnomes in the front or out the backdoor, past the clothesline into next door to use the neighbours footpath is not fun but it will be all worth it.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement & Travel
Autumn is still beautiful on the mid-north coast.
Rear corner of back verandah.
From the garden.
and again from the garden.
Another view of the back corner.
Looks like there will be dozens of blooms this year.
This last photo shows the outdoor kitchen divider in front of the clothes line. Next week, I’ll reveal why.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
For a garden that’s now mostly, vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, there’s still a few bright colours to blend with the green.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
With the change of cooler weather comes the removal of almost all that remains of the Summer/Autumn crops. We have spent a busy two days in the garden planting winter seeds and seedlings. This includes – all year lettuce mix, a mixed variety of spinach, broad beans, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, leeks and onions. There’s still plenty of okra flowers growing so I left that in. There’s a corn cob or two left and a few cucumbers on their vines. They’ll be pulled out soon to make room for what we hope will be a bumper crop this year.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Reverend David Curtis passed away on Friday 14th April shortly before 9am. David will be sadly missed by everyone at St Thomas Anglican Church Port Macquarie. He has been part of the pastoral care team I coordinate. David’s wisdom and experience he brought to the team has always been appreciated as too his willingness to do end-of-life and palliative care visits for me. David was also much involved with prayer and healing ministries.
Please check out his blog – David Curtis
Tradies came to replace our back guttering.
All our potted herbs had to be temporarily relocated.
It was a good opportunity to re-pot or top up pots with fresh soil.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
If you can find my photos of the elderberry I potted when it just 40 cm high, I would be grateful. It should be somewhere in 🦋 I’m in the Garden archives but I can’t see it. It’s photographed with my other potted herbs. So late last year we re-potted it and it’s growing beautifully.
Now it’s taller than me and covered in blooms. Very strange because it should flower in early Summer. It’s Autumn here in Australia.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Although I love the rain and warm summer days the high temperatures on the current between days of rain is not quite the Autumn I’m use to. The Poinciana is still covered in green leaves and the water in the fish pond feels more like a hot tub.
There’s one thing that I do enjoy in this crazy weather and that is the variety of green that is seen from, and in every corner of the garden. The birds too a hanging around longer than usual and as for our vegetables, they just keep growing leaving no room to plant winter crops.
I’m left wondering what I’ll be doing in the garden once the season does change.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
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